第7章

TheEarltoldhim。

“Itwastobelookedforfromher。”saidEric，“thoughIneverthoughtofit。Nowhearken！“andhetoldhimall。

Atligroanedaloud。“Iknowthisnow，Eric。”hesaid：“thatthouspeakesttruth，andoncemoreIhavebeendeceived。Eric，Iforgivetheeall，fornomanmayfightagainstwoman’switchcraft，andwitch’swine。Swanhildiseviltotheheart。Yet，Eric，Ilaythisdoomuponthee——Idonotlayitofmyownwill，forIwouldnotharmthee，whomIlove，butbecauseofthewordsthattheNornsputinmymouth，fornowIamfeyinthisthehourofmydeath。Thouhastsinned，andthatthoudidstsinagainstthywillshallavailtheenothing，forofthysinfateshallfashionahandletothespearwhichpiercesthee。

Henceforththouartaccursed。ForItelltheethatthiswickedwomanSwanhildshalldragtheedowntodeath，andworsethandeath，andwiththeethosethoulovest。BywitchcraftshebroughttheetoStraumey，byliesshelaidmeherebeforethee。NowbyhateandmightandcrueldeedsshallshebringtheetoliemorelowthanIdo。For，Eric，thouartboundtoher，andthoushaltneverloosethebond！“

Atliceasedawhile，thenspokeagainmorefaintly：

“Hearken，comrades。”hecried；“mystrengthiswell-nighspent。Yeshallswearfourthingstome——thatyewillgiveEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailsafepassagefromStraumey。ThatyewilltellSwanhildtheFatherless，Groa’sdaughterandAtli’swife，that，atlast，Iknowherforwhatsheis——amurderess，aharlot，awitchandaliar；andthatIforgiveEricwhomshetricked，butthatherIhateandspitupon。ThatyewillslayKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall，whocamehitherabouttwodaysgone，sincebyhislieshehathsetanedgeuponthisswordoffalsehood。Thatyewillraisenoblood-feudagainstEricforthismyslaying，forIgoadedhimtothedeed。Doyeswear？“

“Weswear。”saidthemen。

“Thenfarewell！Andtotheefarewell，also，EricBrighteyes！NowtakemyhandandholditwhileIdie。Behold！Igivetheeanewname，andbythatnamethoushaltbecalledinstory。Inamethee/ErictheUnlucky/。Ofalltalesthataretold，thineshallbethegreatest。A

mightystrokethatwasofthine——amightystroke！Farewell！“

ThenhisheadfellbackupontherockandEarlAtlidied。Andashediedthelastraysoflightwentoutofthesky。

XXI

HOWHALLOFLITHDALETOOKTIDINGSTOICELAND

NowonthesamenightthatAtlidiedatthehandofEric，SwanhildspakewithHallofLithdale，whomshehadsummonedfromthemainland。

Shebadehimdothis：takepassageinacertainshipthatshouldsailforIcelandonthemorrowfromtheislandthatiscalledWestra，andtheretellallthesetidingsoftheill-doingsofEricandoftheslayingofAtlibyhishand。

“Thoushaltsaythis。”shewenton，“thatErichadbeenmyloveforlong，butthatatlengththemattercametotheearsofAtli，theEarl。Then，holdingthisthegreatestshame，hewentonholmgangwithEricandwasslainbyhim。Thisshaltthouaddtothytalealso，thatpresentlyEricandIwillwed，andthatEricshallruleasEarlinOrkneys。NowthesetidingsmustsooncometotheearsofGudrudatheFair，andshewillsendforthee，andquestiontheestraightlyconcerningthem，andthoushalttellherthetaleasthoutoldestitatfirst。ThenthoushaltgiveGudrudathispacket，whichIsendherasagift，saying，thatIbadeherrememberacertainoathwhichErictookastothecuttingofhishair。Andwhensheseesthatwhichiswithinthepacketissomewhatstained，tellherthatisbutthebloodofAtlithatisuponit，ashisbloodisuponEric’shands。Nowrememberthouthis，Hall，thatifthoufailintheerrandthylifeshallpayforfeit，forpresentlyIwillalsocometoIcelandandhearhowthouhastsped。”

ThenSwanhildgavehimfaring-moneyandgiftsofwadmalandgoldrings，promisingthatheshouldhavesomuchagainwhenshecametoIceland。

Hallsaidthathewoulddoallthesethings，andwentatonce；nordidhefailinhistasks。

Atlibeingdead，Ericloosedhishandandcalledtothementotakeuphisbodyandbearittothehall。Thistheydid。Ericstoodandwatchedthemtilltheywerelostinthedarkness。

“Whithernow，lord？“saidSkallagrim。

“Itmatterslittle。”saidEric。“Whatisthycounsel？“

“Thisismycounsel。ThatwetakeshipandsailbacktotheKinginLondon。Therewewilltellallthistale。ItisafarcryfromStraumeytoLondontown，andthereweshallsitinpeace，fortheKingwillthinklittleoftheslayingofanOrkneyEarlinabrawlaboutawoman。Mayhap，too，theLadyElfridawillnotsetgreatstorebyit。

Therefore，Isay，letusfarebacktoLondon。”

“InbutoneplaceamIathome，andthatisIceland。”saidEric。

“ThitherIwillgo，Skallagrim，thoughitbebuttomissfriendfromsteadandbridefrombed。AttheleastIshallfindOspakarthere。”

“Listen，lord！“saidSkallagrim。“WasitnotmyredethatweshouldbidethiswinterthroughinLondon？Thouwouldstnoneofit，andwhatcameabout？Ourshipissunk，goneareourcomrades，thinehonouristarnished，anddeadisthyhostatthineownhand。YetIsayallisnotlost。Letushencesouth，andseenomoreofSwanhild，ofGudruda，ofBj？rnandOspakar。Soshallwebreakthespell。ButifthougoesttoIceland，Iamsureofthis：thattheevilfatewhichAtliforetoldwillfallonthee，andthedaystocomeshallbeevenmoreunluckythanthedaysthathavebeen。”

“Itmaybeso。”saidEric。“Methinks，indeed，itwillbeso。

HenceforthIamErictheUnlucky。IwillgobacktoIcelandandthereplayoutthegame。IcarelittleifIliveoramslain——Ihavenomorejoyinmylife。Istandalone，likeafiruponamountain-top，andeverywindfromheavenandeverystormofhailandsnowbeatsuponmyhead。ButIsaytothee，Skallagrim：gothyroad，andleavealucklessmantohisillfate。Otherwiseitshallbethinealso。Goodfriendhastthoubeentome；nowletuspartandwendsouthandnorth。TheKingwillbegladtogreettheeyonderinLondon，Lambstail。”

“Butoneseveringshallweknow，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“andthatshallbesword’swork，norwillitbeforlong。Itisilltospeaksuchwordsastheseofthepartingoflordandthrall。BethinktheeoftheoathIsworeonMosfell。Letusgonorth，sinceitisthywill：infiftyyearsitwillcountforlittlewhichwaywewendedfromtheIsles。”

Sotheywenttogetherdowntotheshore，and，findingaboatandmenwhoasyetknewnothingofwhathadchancedtoAtli，theysailedacrossthefirthattherisingofthemoon。

TwodaysafterwardstheyfoundashipatWickthatwasboundforFareys，andsailedinher，EricbuyingapassagewiththehalfofagoldringthattheKinghadgivenhiminLondon。

HereatFareystheysatamonthormore；butnotintheEarl’shallaswhenEriccamewithhonourintheGudruda，butinafarmer’sstead。

ForthetaleofEric’sdealingswithAtliandAtli’swifehadreachedFareys，andtheEarltherehadbeenafriendofAtli’s。Moreover，Ericwasnowapoorman，havingneithershipnorgoods，norfriends。

Thereforealllookedcoldlyonhim，thoughtheywonderedathisbeautyandhismight。Still，theydarednottospeakillormakeamockofhim；for，twomenhavingdoneso，werenearlyslainofSkallagrim，whoseizedthetwainbythethroat，oneineitherhand，anddashedtheirheadstogether。Afterthatmensaidlittle。

Theysatthereamonth，tillatlengthachapmanputinatFareys，boundforIceland，andtheytookpassagewithhim，Ericpayingtheotherhalfofhisgoldringforship-room。Thechapmanwasnotwillingtogivethemplaceatfirst，forhe，too，hadheardthetale；butSkallagrimofferedhimchoice，eithertodosoortogoonholmgangwithhim。Thenthechapmangavethempassage。

Nowitistoldthatwhenhisthrallsandhouse-carlesborethecorpseofAtlitheEarltohishallinStraumey，Swanhildmetitandweptoverit。AndwhenthespokesmanamongthemstoodforwardandtoldherthosewordsthatAtlihadbiddenthemtosaytoher，sparingnone，shespokethus：

“Mylordwasdistraughtandweakwithlossofbloodwhenhespokethus。ThetaleItoldhimwastrue，andnowErichasaddedtohissinbysheddingthebloodofhimwhomhewrongedsosorely。”

Andthereaftershespokesosweetlyandwithsomuchgentleness，craft，andwisdomthat，thoughtheystilldoubtedthem，allmenheldherwordsweighty。ForSwanhildhadthisart，thatshecouldmakethefalsesoundtrueintheearsofmenandthetruesoundfalse。

Still，beingmindfuloftheiroath，theyhuntedforKollandfoundhim。Andwhenthethrallknewthattheywouldslayhimheranthencescreaming。NordidSwanhildliftahandtosavehislife，forshedesiredthatKollshoulddie，lestheshouldbearwitnessagainsther。

Awayherantowardsthecliffs，andafterhimspedAtli’shouse-

carles，tillhecametothegreatcliffsthatedgeinthesea。Nowtheywerecloseuponhimandtheirswordswerealoft。Then，soonerthanknowthekissofsteel，theliarleaptfromthecliffsandwascrushed，dyingmiserablyontherocksbelow。ThiswastheendofKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall。

SwanhildsatinStraumeyforawhile，andtookallAtli’sheritageintoherkeeping，forhehadnomalekin；nordidanysayhernay。

Alsoshecalledinthemoneysthathehadoutatinterest，andthatwasagreatsum，forAtliwasacarefulandawealthyman。ThenSwanhildmadereadytogotoIceland。Atlihadagreatdragonofwar，andshemannedthatshipandfilleditwithstoresandallthingsneedful。Thisdone，shesetstewardsandgrievesovertheOrkneylandsandfarms，and，whentheEarlwassixweeksdead，shesailedforIceland，givingoutthatshewentthithertosetablood-suitonfootagainstEricforthedeathofAtli，herlord。ThereshecameinsafetyjustasfolkrodetotheThing。

NowHallofLithdalecametoIcelandandtoldhistaleofthedoingsofEricandthedeathofAtli。Oftandloudhetoldit，andsoonpeoplegossipedofitinfieldandfairandstead。Bj？rn，Asmund’sson，heardthistalkandsentforHall。TohimalsoHalltoldthetale。

“Now。”saidBj？rn，“wewillgotomysisterGudrudatheFair，andlearnhowshetakesthesetidings。”

SotheywentintowhereGudrudasatspinninginthehall，singingasshespan。

“Greeting，Gudruda。”saidBj？rn；“say，hastthoutidingsofEricBrighteyes，thybetrothed？“

“Ihavenotidings。”saidGudruda。

“Thenhereisonewhobringsthem。”

NowforthefirsttimeGudrudatheFairsawHallofLithdale。Upshesprang。“ThouhasttidingsofEric，Hall？Ah！thouartwelcome，fornotidingshavecomeofhimformanyamonth。Speakon。”andshepressedherhandagainstherheartandleanedtowardshim。

“Mytidingsareill，lady。”

“IsEricdead？Saynotthatmyloveisdead！“

“Heisworsethandead。”saidHall。“Heisshamed。”

“Therethouliest，Hall。”sheanswered。“ShameandEricarethingsapart。”

“Maystthouthinksowhenthouhastheardmytale，lady。”saidHall，“forIamsadathearttospeakitofonewhowasmymate。”

“Speakon，Isay。”answeredGudruda，insuchavoicethatHallshrankfromher。“Speakon；butofthisIwarnthee：thatifinonewordthouliest，thatshallbethydeathwhenEriccomes。”

NowHallwasafraid，thinkingoftheaxeofSkallagrim。Still，hemightnotgobackuponhisword。Sohebeganatthebeginning，tellingthestoryofhowhewaswoundedinthefightwithOspakar’sshipsandleftFareyisles，andhowhecamethencetoScotlandandsatinAtli’shallonOrkneys。ThenhetoldhowtheGudrudawaswreckedonStraumey，and，ofallaboard，EricandSkallagrimaloneweresavedbecauseofSwanhild’sdream。

“HereinIseewitch-work。”saidGudruda。

ThenHalltoldthatEricbecameSwanhild’slove，butoftheothertalewhichSwanhildhadwhisperedtoAtlihesaidnothing。ForheknewthatGudrudawouldnotbelievethis，and，moreover，ifitwereso，Swanhildhadnotsentthetokenwhichheshouldgive。

“Itmaywellbe。”saidGudruda，proudly；“Swanhildisfairandlightofmind。PerchancesheledBrighteyesintothissnare。”But，thoughshespokethus，bitterjealousyandangerburnedinherbreastandsherememberedthesightwhichshehadseenwhenEricandSwanhildmetonthemornofAtli’swedding。

ThenHalltoldoftheslayingofAtlitheGoodbyEric，buthesaidnothingoftheEarl’sdyingwords，norofhowhegoadedBrighteyeswithhisbitterwords。

“Itwasanilldeedinsooth。”saidGudruda，“forErictoslayanoldmanwhomhehadwronged。Still，itmaychancethathewasdriventoitforhisownlife’ssake。”

ThenHallsaidthathehadseenSwanhildafterAtli’sslaying，andthatshehadtoldhimthatsheandEricshouldwedshortly，andthatEricwouldruleinOrkneysbyherside。

Gudrudaaskedifthatwasallhistale。

“Yes，lady。”answeredHall，“thatisallmytale，forafterthatI

sailedandknownotwhathappened。ButIamchargedtogivesomethingtothee，andthatbytheLadySwanhild。Shebademesaythisalso：

that，whenthoulookestonthegift，thoushouldstthinkonacertainoathwhichErictookastothecuttingofhishair。”Andhedrewalinenpacketfromhisbreastandgaveittoher。

ThriceGudrudalookedonit，fearingtoopenit。Then，seeingthesmileofmockeryonBj？rn’scoldface，shetooktheshearsthathungathersideandcutthethreadwiththem。Andasshecut，alockofgoldenhairrosefromthepacket，untwistingitselflikealivingsnake。Thelockwaslong，anditsendwascakedwithgore。

“Whosehairisthis？“saidGudruda，thoughsheknewthehairwell。

“Eric’shair。”saidHall，“thatSwanhildcutfromhisheadwithEric’ssword。”

NowGudrudaputherhandtoherbosom。Shedrewoutasatchel，andfromthesatchelalockofyellowhair。Sidebysidesheplacedthelocks，lookingfirstatoneandthenattheother。

“ThisisEric’shairinsooth。”shesaid——“Eric’shairthathesworenonebutIshouldcut！Eric’shairthatSwanhildshorewithWhitefirefromEric’shead——Whitefirewhereonweplightedtroth！Saynow，whosebloodisthisthatstainsthehairofEric？“

“ItisAtli’sblood，whomEricfirstdishonouredandthenslewwithhisownhand。”answeredHall。

Nowthereburnedafireonthehearth，forthedaywascold。GudrudatheFairstoodoverthefireandwitheitherhandsheletthetwolocksofEric’shairfallupontheembers。Slowlytheytwistedupandburned。Shewatchedthemburn，thenshethrewupherhandsandwithagreatcryfledfromthehall。

Bj？rnandHallofLithdalelookedoneachother。

“Thouhadstbestgohence！“saidBj？rn；“andofthisIwarnthee，Hall，thoughIholdthytidingsgood，that，ifthouhastspokenonefalseword，thatwillbethydeath。ForthenitwouldbebetterfortheetofaceallthewolvesinIcelandthantostandbeforeEricinhisrage。”

AgainHallbethoughthimselfoftheaxeofSkallagrim，andhewentoutheavily。

ThatdayamessengercamefromGudrudatoBj？rn，sayingthatshewouldspeakwithhim。Hewenttowhereshesataloneuponherbed。Herfacewaswhiteasdeath，andherdarkeyesglowed。

“Erichasdealtbadlywiththee，sister，tobringtheetothissorrow。”saidBj？rn。

“SpeaknoevilofErictome。”Gudrudaanswered。“Theevilthathehasdonewillbepaidbacktohim；thereislittleneedfortheetoheapwordsuponhishead。Hearken，Bj？rnmybrother：isityetthywillthatIshouldwedOspakarBlacktooth？“

“Thatismywill，surely。ThereisnomatchinIcelandasthisOspakar，andIshouldwinmanyfriendsbyit。”

“Dothisthen，Bj？rn。SendmessengerstoSwinefellandsaytoOspakarthatifhewouldstillwedGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，lethimcometoMiddalhofwhenfolkridefromtheThingandheshallnotgohencealone。Nay，Ihavedone。Now，IpraytheespeaknomoretomeofEricorofOspakar。OftheoneIhaveseenandheardenough，andoftheotherIshallhearandseeenoughintheyearsthataretocome。”

XXII

HOWERICCAMEHOMEAGAIN

SwanhildmadeagoodpassagefromtheOrkneys，andwasinIcelandthirty-fivedaysbeforeEricandSkallagrimsetfootthere。ButshedidnotlandbyWestmanIsles，forshehadnowishtofaceGudrudaatthattime，butbyReyjaness。NowsherodethencewithhercompanytoThingvalla，forhereallmenweregatheredfortheThing。Atfirstpeoplehungalooffromher，notwithstandingherwealthandbeauty；butSwanhildknewwellhowtowintheheartsofmen。FornowshetoldthesamestoryofEricthatshehadtoldtoAtli，andtherewerenonetosayhernay。Soitcametopassthatshewasbelieved，andEricBrighteyesheldtobeshamedindeed。Now，too，shesetasuitonfootagainstEricforthedeathofAtliathishand，claimingthatsentenceofthegreateroutlawryshouldbepassedagainsthim，andthathislandsatColdbackintheMarshonRanRivershouldbegiven，halftoherinatonementfortheEarl’sdeath，andhalftothemenofEric’squarter。

OnthedayoftheopeningoftheThingOspakarBlacktoothcamefromthenorth，andwithhimhissonGizurandagreatcompanyofmen。

Ospakarwasblithe，forfromtheThingheshouldridetoMiddalhof，theretowedGudrudatheFair。ThenSwanhildcladherselfinbeautifulattire，and，takingmenwithher，wenttotheboothofOspakar。

BlacktoothsatinhisboothandbyhimsatGizurhissontheLawman。

Whenhesawabeauteouslady，veryrichlyclad，entertheboothhedidnotknowwhoitmightbe。ButGizurknewherwell，forhecouldneverputSwanhildfromhismind。

“Lo！herecomesSwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swidow。”saidGizur，flushingredwithjoyatthesightofher。

ThenOspakargreetedherheartily，andmadeplaceforherbyhimatthetopofthebooth。

“OspakarBlacktooth。”shesaid，“Iamcometoaskthisofthee：thatthoushaltbefriendmeinthesuitwhichIhaveagainstEricBrighteyesfortheslayingofEarlAtli，myhusband。”

“Thoucouldsthavecometonomanwhoismorewilling。”saidOspakar，“for，ifthouhastsomethingagainstEric，Ihaveyetmore。”

“Iwouldaskthis，too，Ospakar：thatthysonGizurshouldtakeupmysuitandpleadit；forIknowwellthatheisthemostskilfulofalllawmen。”

“Iwilldothat。”saidGizur，hiseyesyetfixeduponherface。

“Ilookedfornolessfromthee。”saidSwanhild，“andbesureofthis，thatthoushaltnotpleadfornothing。”andsheglancedathimmeaningly。Thenshesetouthercasewithalyingtongue，andafterwardswentbacktoherbooth，gladatheart。FornowshelearnedthatHallhadnotfailedinhiserrand，seeingthatGudrudawasabouttowedOspakar。

Gizurgavewarningoftheblood-suit，andtheendofitwasthat，thoughhehadnonoticeandwasnottheretoanswertothecharge，againstallrightandcustomEricwasdeclaredoutlawandhislandsweregiven，halftoSwanhildandhalftothemenofhisquarter。FornowallheldthatSwanhild’swasatruetale，andEricthemostshamefulofmen，andthereforetheywerewillingtostretchthelawagainsthim。Also，beingabsent，hehadfewfriends，andthosemenofsmallaccount；whereasOspakar，whobackedSwanhild’ssuit，wasthemostpowerfulofthenorthernchiefs，asGizurwasthemostskilledlawmaninIceland。Moreover，Bj？rnthePriest，Asmund’sson，wasamongthejudges，and，thoughSwanhild’staleseemedstrangetohimafterthatwhichhehadheardfromHallofLithdale，helovedEriclittle。

HefearedalsothatifEriccameafreemantoIcelandbeforeGudrudawaswedtoOspakar，herlovewouldconquerheranger，forhecouldseewellthatshestilllovedBrighteyes。ThereforehestrovewithmightandmainthatEricshouldbebroughtinguilty，nordidhefailinthis。

SotheendofitwasthatEricBrighteyeswasoutlawed，hislandsdeclaredforfeit，andhisheadawolf’shead，tobetakenbyhimwhomight，shouldhesetfootinIceland。

Thereafter，theAlthingbeingended，Bj？rn，Gizur，andOspakar，withalltheircompany，rodeawaytoMiddalhoftositatthemarriage-

feast。ButSwanhildandherfolkwentbyseainthelongwar-shiptoWestmans。Forthiswasherplan：toseizeonColdbackandtositthereforawhile，tillshesawifEriccameouttoIceland。AlsoshedesiredtoseetheweddingofOspakarandGudruda，forshehadbeenbiddentoitbyBj？rn，herhalf-brother。

NowOspakarcametoMiddalhof，andfoundGudrudawaitinghiscoming。

Shestoodinthegreathall，paleandcoldasAprilsnow，andgreetedhimcourteously。Butwhenhewouldhavekissedher，sheshrankfromhim，fornowhewasmorehideousinhersightthanhehadeverbeen，andsheloathedhiminherheart。

Thatnighttherewasfeastinginthehall，andatthefeastGudrudaheardthatErichadbeenmadeoutlaw。Thenshespoke：

“Thisisanilldeed，thustojudgeanabsentman。”

“Say，Gudruda。”saidBj？rninherear，“hastthounotalsojudgedEricwhoisabsent？“

SheturnedherheadandspokenomoreofEric；butBj？rn’swordsfixedthemselvesinherheartlikearrows。Thetalewasstrangetoher，foritseemedthatErichadbeenmadeoutlawatSwanhild’ssuit，andyetEricwasSwanhild’slove：forSwanhild’sselfhadsentthelockofBrighteyes’hairbyHall，sayingthathewasherloveandsoonwouldwedher。How，then，didSwanhildbringasuitagainsthimwhoshouldbeherhusband？Moreover，sheheardthatSwanhildsaileddowntoColdback，andwasbiddentothemarriage-feast，thatshouldbeonthethirddayfromnow。Coulditbe，then，whenallwassaidanddone，thatEricwaslessfaithlessthanshedeemed？Gudruda’sheartstoodstillandthebloodrushedtoherbrowwhenshethoughtonit。Also，evenifitwereso，itwasnowtoolate。Andsurelyitwasnotso，forhadnotEricbeenmadeoutlaw？Menwerenotmadeoutlawforalittlething。Nay，shewouldmeetherfate，andasknomoreofEricandhisdoings。

Onthemorrow，asGudrudasatinherchamber，itwastoldherthatSaevuna，Thorgrimur’swidowandEric’smother，hadcomefromColdbacktospeakwithher。For，afterthedeathofAsmundandofUnna，SaevunahadmovedbacktoColdbackontheMarsh。

“Nay，howcanthisbe？“saidGudrudaastonished，forsheknewwellthatSaevunawasnowbothblindandbed-ridden。

“Shehasbeenbornehereinachair。”saidthewomanwhotoldher，“andthatisastrangesighttosee。”

AtfirstGudrudawasmindedtosayhernay；butherheartsoftened，andshebadethembringSaevunain。Presentlyshecame，beingsetinachairupontheshouldersoffourmen。Shewaswhitetosee，forsicknesshadagedhermuch，andshestaredaboutherwithsightlesseyes。Butshewasstilltallandstraight，andherfacewassterntolookon。ToGudrudaitseemedlikethatofEricwhenhewasangered。

“AmInightoGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter？“askedSaevuna。

“MethinksIhearherbreathe。”

“Iamhere，mother。”saidGudruda。“Whatisthywillwithme？“

“Setdown，carles，andbegone！“quothSaevuna；“thatwhichIhavetosayIwouldsayalone。WhenIsummonyou，come。”

Thecarlessetdownthechairuponthefloorandwent。

“Gudruda。”saidthedame，“Iamrisenfrommydeathbed，andIhavecausedmyselftobeborneonmylastjourneyhereacrossthemeads，thatImayspeakwiththeeandwarnthee。Ihearthatthouhastputawaymyson，EricBrighteyes，towhomthouartsworninmarriage，andartabouttogivethyselftoOspakarBlacktooth。Ihearalsothatthouhastdonethisdeedbecauseacertainman，HallofLithdale——whomfromhisyouthupIhaveknownforaliarandaknave，andwhomthouthyselfdidstmistrustinyearsgoneby——hascomehithertoIcelandfromOrkneys，bearingataleofEric’sdealingswiththyhalf-sisterSwanhild。ThisIhear，further：thatSwanhild，Atli’swidow，hathcomeouttoIcelandandlaidasuitagainstEricfortheslayingofAtlitheEarl，herhusband，andthatErichasbeenoutlawedandhislandsatColdbackareforfeit。Tellmenow，Gudruda，Asmund’sdaughter，ifthesetalesbetrue？“

“Thetalesaretrue，mother。”saidGudruda。

“Thenhearkentome，girl。Ericsprangfrommywomb，whoofalllivingmenisthebestandfirst，asheisthebravestandmoststrong。I

haverearedthisEricfromababeandIknowhisheartwell。NowI

telltheethis，that，whateverErichasdoneorleftundone，naughtofdishonourisonhishands。MayhapSwanhildhasdeceivedhim——thouartawoman，andthouknowestwelltheartswhichwomenhave，andthestrengththatFreyagivesthem。Wellthouknowest，also，ofwhatbreedthisSwanhildcame；andperchancethoucanstrememberhowshedealtwiththee，andwithwhatmindshelookedonEric。PerchancethoucanstrememberhowsheplottedagainsttheeandEric——ay，howshethrusttheefromGoldfossbrink。Say，then，wiltthoutakeherword？Wiltthoutakethewordofthiswitch-daughterofawitch？WiltthounotthinkonGroa，hermother，andofGroa’sdealingswiththyfather，andwithUnnamykinswoman？Asthemotheris，soshallthedaughterbe。

WiltthoucastEricaside，andthatunheard？“

“Thereisnomoreroomfordoubt，mother。”saidGudruda。“Ihaveproofofthis：thatErichasforsakenme。”

“Sothouthinkest，child；butItelltheethatthouartwrong！Ericlovestheenowashelovedtheeaforetime，andwilllovetheealways。”

“WouldthatIcouldbelieveit！“saidGudruda。“IfIcouldbelievethatEricstilllovedme——ay，eventhoughhehadbeenfaithlesstome——IwoulddieereIwedOspakar！“

“Thouartfoolish，Gudruda，andthoushaltruethyfollybitterly。I

amoutworn，anddeathdrawsneartome——farfrommenowarehatesandloves，hopesandfears；butIknowthis：thatwomanismadwho，lovingaman，wedswhereshelovesnot。Shameshallbeherportionandbitternessherbread。Unhappyshallshelive，andwhenshecomestodie，butasawilderness——butasthedesolatewintersnow，shallbetherecordofherdays！“

NowGudrudaweptaloud。“Whatisdoneisdone。”shecried；“thebridegroomsitswithinthehall——thebrideawaitshiminthebower。

Whatisdoneisdone——ImayhopenomoretobesavedfromOspakar。”

“Whatisdoneisdone，yetitcanbebroughttonothing；butsoonthatshallbedonewhichmayneverbeundone！Gudruda，faretheewell！

NevershallIlistentothyvoiceagain。Iholdtheeshameless，thouunfaithfulwoman，whointhyfoolishjealousyartreadytosellthyselftothearmsofonethouhatest！Ho！carles；comehither。Bearmehence！“

NowthemencameinandtookupSaevuna’schair。Gudrudawatchedthembearherforth。Thensuddenlyshesprangfromherseatandranafterherintothehall，weepingbitterly。

NowasSaevuna，Eric’smother，wascarriedoutshewasmetbyOspakarandBj？rn。

“Stay。”saidBj？rn。“Whatdoesthiscarlinehere？——andwhyweepsGudruda，mysister？“

Themenhalted。“Whocallsme’carline’？“saidSaevuna。“IsthevoiceIhearthevoiceofBj？rn，Asmund’sson？“

“Itismyvoice，truly。”saidBj？rn，“andIwouldknowthis——andthiswouldOspakar，whostandsatmyside，knowalso——whythoucomesthere，carline？andwhyGudrudaweeps？“

“Gudrudaweepsbecauseshehasgoodcausetoweep，Bj？rn。Sheweepsbecauseshehasbetrayedherlove，EricBrighteyes，myson，andisabouttobesoldinmarriage——tobesoldtothee，OspakarBlacktooth，likeaheiferatafair。”

ThenBj？rngrewangryandcursedSaevuna，nordidOspakarsparetoaddhisillwords。Buttheolddamesatinherchair，listeningsilentlytillalltheircurseswerespent。

“Yeareevil，thetwainofyou。”shesaid，“andyehavetoldliesofEric，myson；andyehavetakenhisbrideforlustandgreed，playingonthejealousfollyofamaidlikeharpersonaharp。NowItellyouthis，Bj？rnandOspakar！MyblindeyesareopenedandIseethishallofMiddalhof，andlo！itisbutagoreofblood！Bloodflowsupontheboard——bloodstreamsalongthefloor，andye——yetwain！——liedeadthereon，andaboutyourshapesareshrouds，andonherfeetareHell-

shoon！EriccomesandWhitefireisaloft，andnomoreshallyestandbeforehimwhomyehaveslanderedthanstandsthebirchbeforethelightningstroke！Ericcomes！Iseehisangryeyes——Iseehishelmflashinthedoor-place！Redwasthatmarriage-feastatwhichsatUnna，mykinswoman，andAsmund，thyfather——reddershallbethefeastwheresitGudruda，thysister，andOspakar！Thewolfhowlsatthydoor，Bj？rn！thegrave-wormopenshismouth！trollsruntoandfrouponthythreshold，andtheghostsofmenspeedHellwards！IllwerethedeedsofGroa——worseshallbethedeedsofGroa’sdaughter！Redisthyhallwithblood，Bj？rn！——forWhitefireisaloftand——/ItelltheeEriccomes！/“——andwithonegreatcryshefellback——dead。

Nowtheystoodamazed，andtremblingintheirfear。

“Saevunahathspokenstrangewords。”saidBj？rn。

“Shallwebefrightenedbyadeadhag？“quothOspakar，drawinghisbreathagain。“Fellows，bearthiscarrionforth，orweflingittothedogs。”

ThenthementiedthebodyofSaevuna，Thorgrimur’swidow，Eric’smother，fastinthechair，andboreitthence。ButwhenatlengththeycametoColdback，theyfoundthatSwanhildwastherewithallherfollowing，andhaddrivenEric’sgrieveandhisfolktothefells。Butoneoldcarline，whohadbeennursetoEric，wasleftthere，andshesatwailinginanouthouse，beingtooweaktomove。

ThenthemensetdownthecorpseofSaevunaintheouthouse，and，havingtoldalltheirtaletothecarline，theyfledalso。

Thatnightpassed，andpassedthemorrow；butonthenextdayatdawnEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstaillandednearWestmanIsles。

TheyhadmadeabadpassagefromFareys，havingbeenbeataboutbycontrarywinds；butatlengththeycamesafeandwelltoland。

Nowthiswasthedayofthemarriage-feastofGudrudatheFairandOspakar；butEricknewnothingofthesetidings。

“Wheretonow，lord？“saidSkallagrim。

“ToColdbackfirst，toseemymother，ifsheyetlives，andtolearntidingsofGudruda。Thenasitmaychance。”

Neartothebeachwasayeoman’shouse。Thithertheywenttohirehorses；butnonewereinthehouse，forallhadgonetoGudruda’smarriage-feast。Inthehomemeadowrantwogoodhorses，andintheouthousesweresaddlesandbridles。Theycaughtthehorses，saddledthemandrodeforColdback。WhentheyhadriddenforsomethingoveranhourtheycametothecrestofaheightwhencetheycouldseeColdbackintheMarsh。

Ericdrewreinandlooked，andhisheartswelledwithinhimatthesightoftheplacewherehewasborn。ButashelookedhesawagreattrainofpeoplerideawayfromColdbacktowardsMiddalhof——andinthecompanyawomanwearingapurplecloak。

“Nowwhatmaythismean？“saidEric。

“Rideonandweshalllearn。”answeredSkallagrim。

Sotheyrodeon，andastheyrodeEric’sbreastgrewheavywithfear。

Nowtheypassedupthebankedwaythroughthehomemeadowsofthehouse，buttheycouldseenoone；andnowtheywereatthedoor。DownsprangEricandwalkedintothehall。Butnoneweretheretogreethim，thoughafireyetburnedupontheearth。Onlyagaunthoundwanderedaboutthehall，and，seeinghim，sprangtowardshim，growling。Ericknewhimforhisoldwolf-hound，andcalledhimbyhisname。Thedoglistened，thenranupandsmelthishands，andstraightwayhowledwithjoyandleaptuponhim。Forawhileheleaptthus，whileEricstaredaroundhimwonderingandsadatheart。Thenthedograntothedoorandstopped，whining。Ericfollowedafterhim。

Thehoundpassedthroughtheentrance，andacrosstheyardtillhecametoanouthouse。Herethedogstoppedandscratchedatthedoor，stillwhining。Ericthrustitopen。Lo！therebeforehimsatSaevuna，hismother，deadinachair，andatherfeetcrouchedthecarline——shewhohadbeenEric’snurse。

Nowhegraspedthedoor-poststosteadyhimself，andhisshadowfelluponthewhitefaceofhismotherandtheoldcarlineatherfeet。

XXIII

HOWERICWASAGUESTATTHEWEDDING-FEASTOFGUDRUDATHEFAIR

Ericlooked，butsaidnothing。

“Whoartthou？“whinedthecarline，gazingupathimwithtear-blindedeyes。ButEric’sfacewasintheshadow，andsheonlysawtheglintofhisgoldenhairandtheflashofthegoldenhelm。ForEriccouldnotspeakyetawhile。

“ArtthouoneoftheSwanhild’sfolk，cometodrivemehencewiththerest？Goodsir，Icannotgotothefells，mylimbsaretooweak。Slayme，ifthouwilt，butdrivemenotfromthis。”andshepointedtothecorpse。“Saynow，willthounothelpmetogiveitburial？Itisunmeetthatshewhoinhertimehadhusband，andgoods，andson，shouldlieunburiedlikeadeadcowonthefells。Ihavestillahundredinsilver，ifImightbutcomeatit。Itishidden，sir，andI

willpaytheeifthouwilthelpmetoburyher。Theseoldhandsaretoofeebletodigagrave，norcouldIbearhertherealoneifitweredug。Thouwiltnothelpme？——thenmaythineownmother’sboneslieuncovered，andbepickedofgullsandravens。Oh，thatEricBrighteyeswouldcomehomeagain！Oh，thatEricwashere！thereisworktodoandneveramantodoit。”

NowEricgaveagreatsobandcried，“Nurse，nurse！knowestthoumenot！/I/amEricBrighteyes。”

Sheutteredaloudcry，and，claspinghimbytheknees，lookedupintohisface。

“ThanksbetoOdin！ThouartEric——Ericcomehomeagain！Butalas，thouhastcometoolate！“

“Whathashappened，then？“saidEric。

“Whathashappened？Allevilthings。Thouartoutlawed，Eric，atthesuitofSwanhildfortheslayingofAtlitheEarl。SwanhildsitshereinColdback，forshehathseizedthylands。Saevuna，thymother，diedtwodaysagointhehallofMiddalhof，whithershewenttospeakwithGudruda。”

“Gudruda！whatofGudruda？“criedEric。

“This，Brighteyes：to-dayshewedsOspakarBlacktooth。”

Ericcoveredhisfacewithhishand。Presentlyheliftedit。

“Thouartrichineviltidings，nurse，though，itwouldseem，poorinallbesides。Tellmeatwhathouristhewedding-feast？“

“Anhourafternoon，Eric；butnowSwanhildhasriddenthitherwithhercompany。”

“ThenroommustbefoundatMiddalhofforonemoreguest。”saidEric，andlaughedaloud。“Goon！——pouroutthyevilnewsandsparemenot！——

fornothinghasanymorepowertoharmmenow！Comehither，Skallagrim，andseeandhearken。”

SkallagrimcameandlookedonthefaceofdeadSaevuna。

“IamoutlawedatSwanhild’ssuit，Lambstail。Mylifeliesinthyhand，ifsobethouwouldsttakeit！Hewoffmyhead，ifthouwilt，andbearittoGudrudatheFair——shewillthanktheeforthegift。Layon，Lambstail；layonwiththataxeofthine。”

“Child’stalk！“saidSkallagrim。

“Child’stalk，butman’swork！Thouhastnotheardthetaleout。

SwanhildhathseizedmylandsandsitshereatColdback！And——whatthinkestthou，Skallagrim？——butnowshehasriddena-guestingtothemarriage-feastofOspakarBlacktoothwithGudrudatheFair！SwanhildatGudruda’swedding！——theeagleinthewildswan’snest！Buttherewillbeanotherguest。”andagainhelaughedaloud。

“/Two/otherguests。”saidSkallagrim。

“Moreofthytale，oldnurse！——moreofthytale！“quothEric。“Nobetterdidstthouevertellmewhen，asalad，Isatbythee，intheingleo’winternights——andthecompanyisfittingtothetale！“andhepointedtodeadSaevuna。

Thenthecarlinetoldon。ShetoldhowHallofLithdalehadcomeouttoIceland，andofthestorythatheboretoGudruda，andofthegivingofthelockofhair。

“WhatdidIsay，lord？“brokeinSkallagrim——“thatinHallthouhadstletaweaselgowhowouldlivetonipthee？“

“HimIwillsurelylivetoshortenbyahead。”quothEric。

“Nay，lord，thisoneforme——Ospakarforthee，Hallforme！“

“Asthouwilt，Baresark。Amongsomanythereisroomtopickandchoose。Tellon，nurse！“

ThenshetoldhowSwanhildcameouttoIceland，and，havingwonOspakarBlacktoothandGizurtoherside，hadlaidasuitagainstEricattheThing，andthereborefalsewitnessagainsthim，sothatBrighteyeswasdeclaredoutlaw，beingabsent。Shetold，too，howGudrudahadbetrothedherselftoOspakar，andhowSwanhildhadmoveddowntoColdbackandseizedthelands。LastlyshetoldoftherisingofSaevunafromherdeathbed，ofhergoingtoMiddalhof，ofthewordsshespoketoBj？rnandOspakar，andofherdeathinthehallatMiddalhof。

Whenallwastold，Ericstoopedandkissedthecoldbrowofhismother。

“Thereislittletimetoburytheenow，mymother。”hesaid，“andperchancebeforesixhoursarespedtherewillbeonetoburyatthyside。Nevertheless，thoushaltsitinabetterplacethanthis。”

ThenhecutloosethecordsthatboundthebodyofSaevunatothechair，and，liftingitinhisarms，boreittothehall。Therehesetthecorpseinthehighseatofthehall。

“Weneednotstartyetawhile，Skallagrim。”saidEric，“ifindeedthouwouldstgoa-guestingwithmetoMiddalhof。Thereforeletuseatanddrink，fortherearedeedstodothisday。”

Sotheyfoundmeatandmeadandateanddrank。ThenEricwashedhimself，combedouthisgoldenlocks，andlookedwelltohisharnessandtoWhitefire’sedge。Skallagrimalsogroundhisgreataxeuponthewhetstoneintheyard，singingasheground。Whenallwasready，thehorseswerecaught，andEricspoketothecarline：

“Hearken，nurse。Ifitmaybethatthoucanstfindanyofourfolk——

andperchancenowthattheyseethatSwanhildhasriddentoMiddalhofsomeoneofthemwillcomedowntospy——thoushaltsaythistothem。

Thoushaltsaythat，ifEricBrighteyesyetlives，hewillbeatthefootofMosfellto-morrowbeforemidday，andif，forthesakeofolddaysandfellowship，theyaremindedtobefriendafriendlessman，letthemcomethitherwithfood，forbythenfoodwillbeneeded，andI

willspeakwiththem。Andnowfarewell。”andErickissedherandwent，leavingherweeping。

Asitchanced，beforeanotherhourwassped，Jon，Eric’sthrall，whohadstayedathomeinIceland，seeingColdbackempty，creptdownfromthefellsandlookedin。Thecarlinesawhim，andtoldhimthesetidings。Thenhewentthencetofindtheothermen。HavingfoundthemhetoldthemEric’swords，andagreatgladnesscameuponthemwhentheylearnedthatBrighteyesstilllived，andwasinIceland。Thentheygatheredfoodandgear，androdeawaytothefootofMosfellthatisnowcalledEricsfell。

OspakarsatinthehallatMiddalhof，neartothehighseat。Hewasfullyarmed，andablackhelmwitharaven’screstwasonhishead。

For，thoughhesaidnothingofit，notalittledidhefearthatSaevunaspokesooth——thatherwordswouldcometrue，and，beforethisdaywasdone，heandEricshouldoncemorestandfacetoface。AthissidesatGudrudatheFair，robedinwhite，aworkedhead-dressonherhead，goldenclaspsuponherbreastandgoldenringsaboutherarms。

Neverhadshebeenmorebeautifultosee；butherfacewaswhiterthanherrobes。ShelookedwithloathingonBlacktoothatherside，roughlikeabear，andhideousasatroll。Buthelookedonherwithlonging，andlaughedfromsidetosideofhisgreatmouthwhenhethoughtthatatlasthehadgotherforhisown。

“Ah，ifEricwouldbutcome，faithlessthoughhebe！——ifEricwouldbutcome！“thoughtGudruda；butnoEriccametosaveher。Theguestsgatheredfast，andpresentlySwanhildsweptinwithallhercompany，wrappedaboutinherpurplecloak。ShecameuptothehighseatwhereGudrudasat，andbentthekneebeforeher，lookingonherwithlovelymockingfaceandhateinherblueeyes。

“Greeting，Gudruda，mysister！“shesaid。“WhenlastwemetIsat，Atli’sbride，whereto-daythousittestthebrideofOspakar。ThenEricBrighteyesheldthyhand，andlittlethoudidstthinkofweddingOspakar。NowEricisafar——sostrangelydothingscomeabout——andBlacktooth，Brighteyes’foe，holdsthatfairhandofthine。”

Gudrudalookedonherandturnedwhiteryetinherpain，butsheansweredneveraword。

“What！nowordforme，sister？“saidSwanhild。“Andyetitisthroughmethatthoucomesttothisgladhour。ItisthroughmethatthouartridofEric，anditisIwhohavegiventheetothearmsofmightyOspakar。Nowordofthanksforsogreataservice！——fieonthee，Gudruda！fie！“

ThenGudrudaspoke：“StrangetalesaretoldoftheeandEric，Groa’sdaughter！IhavedonewithEric，butIhavedonewiththeealso。Thouhastthrustthyselfhereagainstmywilland，ifImay，Iwouldseethyfacenomore。”

“WouldstthouseeEric’sface，Gudruda？——say，wouldstseeEric’sface？

Itelltheeitisfair！“

ButGudrudaanswerednothing，andSwanhildfellback，laughing。

Nowthefeastbegan，andmenwaxedmerry。ButeverGudruda’sheartgrewheavier，forinitechoedthosewordsthatSaevunahadspoken。

Hereyesweredim，andsheseemedtoseenaughtbutthefaceofEricasithadlookedwhenhecamebacktoherthatdayonthebrinkofGoldfossFallsandshehadthoughthimdead。Oh！whatifhestilllovedherandwereyettrueatheart？Swanhildmockedher！——whatifthiswasaplotofSwanhild’s？HadnotSwanhildplottedaforetime，andcouldawolfceasefromraveningorawitchfromwitch-work？Nay，shehadseenEric’shair——thathehadswornnonesavesheshouldtouch！

Perchancehehadbeendrugged，andthehairshornfromhiminhissleep？Toolatetothink！Ofwhatusewasthought？——besidehersatOspakar，inoneshorthourshewouldbehis。Ah！thatshecouldseehimdead——thetrollwhohadtraffickedhertoshame，thefoeshehadsummonedinherwrathandjealousy！Shehaddoneill——shehadfallenintoSwanhild’ssnare，andnowSwanhildcametomockher！

Thefeastwenton——cupfollowedcup。Nowtheypouredthebride-cup！

BeforeherheartbeattwohundredtimesshewouldbethewifeofOspakar！

Blacktoothtookthecup——pledgedherinit，anddrankdeep。Thenheturnedandstrovetokissher。ButGudrudashrankfromhimwithhorrorinhereyes，andallmenwondered。Stillshemustdrinkthebridalcup。Shetookit。Dimlyshesawtheupturnedfaces，faintlysheheardthemurmurofahundredvoices。

Whatwasthatvoiceshecaughtabovethemall——there——withoutthehall？

Holdingthecupinherhand，Gudrudabentforward，staringdowntheskali。Thenshecriedaloud，pointingtothedoor，andthecupfellclatteringfromherhandandrolledalongtheground。

Menturnedandlooked。Theysawthis：thereonthethresholdstoodaman，glorioustolookat，andfromhiswingedhelmofgoldtheraysoflightflashedthroughtheduskyhall。Themanwasgreatandbeautifultosee。Hehadlongyellowhairboundinabouthisgirdle，andinhislefthandheheldapointedshield，inhisrightaspear，andathisthightherehungamightysword。Norwashealone，forbyhisside，abroadaxeonhisshoulderandshieldinhand，stoodanotherman，cladinblack-huedmail——amanwell-nighasbroadandbig，withhawk’seyes，eaglebeak，andblackhairstreakedwithgrey。

Foramomenttherewassilence。Thenavoicespoke：

“Lo！herebetheGodsBaldurandThor！——comefromValhallatogracethemarriage-feast！“

Thenthemanwithgoldenhaircriedaloudinavoicethatmadetheraftersring：

“HereareEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstail，histhrall，comefromoverseatogracethefeast，indeed！“

“Icouldhavelookedfornoworseguests。”saidBj？rn，beneathhisbreath，androsetobidmenthrustthemout。Butbeforehecouldspeak，lo！gold-helmedEricandblack-helmedSkallagrimwerestalkingupthelengthofthatgreathall。Sidebysidetheystalked，withfacesfierceandcold；norstayedtheytilltheystoodbeforethehighseat。Ericlookedupandround，andthelightofhiseyeswasasthelightofasword。Menmarvelledathisgreatnessandhiswonderfulbeauty，andtoGudrudaheseemedlikeaGod。

“HereIseefacesthatareknowntome。”saidEric。“Greetings，comrades！“

“Greetings，Brighteyes！“shoutedtheMiddalhoffolkandthecompanyofSwanhild；butthecarlesofOspakarlaidhandonsword——theytooknewEric。ForstillallmenlovedEric，andthepeopleofhisquarterwereproudofthedeedshehaddoneoversea。

“Greeting，Bj？rn，Asmund’sson！“quothEric。“Greeting，OspakarBlacktooth！Greeting，SwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’switch-wife——

Groa’switch-bairn！Greeting，HallofLithdale，Halltheliar——Hallwhocutthegrapnel-chain！Andtothee，sweetBride，totheeGudrudatheFair，greeting！“

NowBj？rnspoke：“Iwilltakenogreetingfromashamedandoutlawedman。Gettheegone，EricBrighteyes，andtakethywolf-houndwiththee，lestthoubidestherestiffandcold。”

“Speaknotsoloud，rat，lesthound’sfangworrythee！“growledSkallagrim。

ButEriclaughedaloudandcried——

“Wordsmustbesaid，andperchancemenshalldie，ereeverIleavethishall，Bj？rn！“

XXIV

HOWTHEFEASTWENT

“Hearkenallmen！“saidEric。

“Thrusthimout！“quothBj？rn。

“Nay，cuthimdown！“saidOspakar，“heisanoutlawedman。”

“Wordsfirst，thendeeds。”answeredSkallagrim。“Thoushalthavethyfillofboth，Blacktooth，beforedayisdone。”

“LetEricsayhissay。”saidGudruda，liftingherhead。“Hehasbeendoomedunheard，anditismywillthatheshallsayhissay。”

“WhathastthoutodowithEric？“snarledOspakar。

“Thebride-cupisnotyetdrunk，lord。”sheanswered。

“Tothee，then，Iwillspeak，lady。”quothEric。“Howcomesitthat，beingbetrothedtome，thoudostsittherethebrideofOspakar？“

“AskofSwanhild。”saidGudrudainalowvoice。“AskalsoofHallofLithdaleyonder，whobroughtmeSwanhild’sgiftfromStraumey。”

“ImustaskmuchofHallandhemustanswermuch。”saidEric。“Whattale，then，didhebringtheefromStraumey？“

“Hesaidthis，Eric。”Gudrudaanswered：“thatthouwastSwanhild’slove；thatforSwanhild’ssakethouhadstbaselykilledAtlitheGood，andthatthouwastabouttowedSwanhild’sselfandtaketheEarl’sseatinOrkneys。”

“AndforwhatcausewasImadeoutlawattheAlthing？“

“Forthiscause，Eric。”saidBj？rn，“thatthouhadstdealtevillywithSwanhild，bringinghertoshameagainstherwill，andthereafterthatthouhadstslaintheEarl，herhusband。”

“Which，then，ofthesetalesistrue？forbothcannotbetrue。”saidBrighteyes。“Speak，Swanhild。”

“Thouknowestwellthatthelastistrue。”saidSwanhildboldly。

“HowthencomesitthatthoudidstchargeHallwiththatmessagetoGudruda？Howthencomesitthatthoudidstsendherthelockofhairwhichthoudidstcozenmetogivethee？“

“IchargedHallwithnomessage，andIsentnolockofhair。”Swanhildanswered。

“Standthouforward，Hall！“saidEric，“andliarandcowardthoughthouart，darenottospeakotherthanthetruth！Nay，looknotatthedoor：for，ifthoustirrest，thisspearshallfindtheebeforethouhastgoneapace！“

NowHallstoodforward，tremblingwithfear，forhesawtheeyeofSkallagrimwatchinghimclose，andwhileLambstailwatched，hisfingerstoyedwiththehandleofhisaxe。

“Itistrue，lord，thatSwanhildchargedmewiththatmessagewhichI

gavetotheLadyGudruda。Alsoshebademegivethelockofhair。”

“Andforthisservicethoudidsttakemoney，Hall？“

“Ay，lord，shegavememoneyformyfaring。”

“Andallthewhilethouknewestthetidingsfalse？“

Hallmadenoreply。

“Answer！“thunderedEric——“answerthetruth，knave，orbyeveryGodthatpassesthehundredgatesIwillnotsparetheetwice！“

“Itisso，lord。”saidHall。

“Thouliest，fox！“criedSwanhild，whitewithwrathandcastingafiercelookuponHall。ButmentooknoheedofSwanhild’swords，foralleyeswerebentonEric。

“Isitnowyourpleasure，comrades，thatIshouldtellyouthetruth？“

saidBrighteyes。

Themostpartofthecompanyshouted“Yea！“butthemenofOspakarstoodsilent。

“Speakon，Eric。”quothGudruda。

“Thisisthetruth，then：SwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swife，hasalwayssoughtmylove，andshehaseverhatedGudrudawhomIloved。

Fromachildshehasstriventoworkmischiefbetweenus。Ay，andshedidthis，thoughtillnowithasbeenhidden：shestrovetomurderGudruda；itwasonthedaythatSkallagrimandIovercameOspakarandhisbandonHorse-HeadHeights。ShethrustGudrudafromthebrinkofGoldenFallswhileshesatlookingonthewaters，andasshehungthereIdraggedherback。Isitnotso，Gudruda？“

“Itisso。”saidGudruda。

NowmenmurmuredandlookedatSwanhild。Butsheshrankback，pluckingatherpurplecloak。

“Itwasforthiscause。”saidEric，“thatAsmund，Swanhild’sfather，gaveherchoicetowedAtlitheEarlandpassoverseaortotakehertrialintheDoom-Ring。SheweddedAtliandwentaway。Afterwards，bywitchcraft，shebroughtmyshiptowreckonStraumey’sIsle——ay，shewalkedthewaterslikeashapeoflightandluredusontoruin，sothatallweredrownedexceptSkallagrimandmyself。Isitnotso，Skallagrim？“

“Itisso，lord。Isawherwithmyeyes。”

Againfolkmurmured。

“ThenwemustsitinAtli’shall。”saidEric，“andtherewedweltlastwinter。ForawhileSwanhilddidnoharm，tillIfearedhernomore。

Butsomethreemonthsago，Iwasleftwithher：andamancalledKoll，Groa’sthrall，ofwhomyeknow，cameoutfromIceland，bringingnewsofthedeathofAsmundthepriest，ofUnnamycousin，andofGroathewitch。Totheseill-tidingsSwanhildbribedhimtoaddsomething。Shebribedhimtoaddthis：thatthou，Gudruda，wastbetrothedtoOspakar，andwouldstwedhimonlastYuleDay。Moreover，hegavemeacertainmessagefromthee，Gudruda，and，intokenofitstruth，thehalfofthatcoinwhichIbrokewiththeelongyearsago。Saynow，lady，didstthousendthecoin？“

“Nay，never！“criedGudruda；“manyyearsagoIlostthehalfthougavestme，thoughIfearedtotellthee。”

“Perchanceonestandstherewhofoundit。”saidEric，pointingwithhisspearatSwanhild。“AttheleastIwasdeceivedbyit。Nowthetaleisshort。Swanhildmournedwithme，andinmysorrowImournedbitterly。Thenitwassheaskedaboon，thatlockofmine，Gudruda，and，thinkingtheefaithless，Igaveit，holdingalloathsbroken。

Thentoo，whenIwouldhavelefther，shedruggedmewithawitch-

draught——ay，shedruggedme，andIwoketofindmyselffalsetomyoath，falsetoAtli，andfalsetothee，Gudruda。IcursedherandI

lefther，waitingfortheEarl，totellhimall。ButSwanhildoutwittedme。Shetoldhimthatothertaleofshamethatyehaveheard，andbroughtKolltohimaswitnessofthetale。Atliwasdeceivedbyher，andnotuntilIhadcuthimdowninangeratthebitterwordshespoke，callingmecowardandniddering，didheknowthetruth。Butbeforehediedheknewit；andhedied，holdingmyhandandbiddingthoseabouthimfindKollandslayhim。Isitnotso，yewhowereAtli’smen？“

“Itisso，Eric！“theycried；“wehearditwithourownears，andweslewKoll。ButafterwardsSwanhildbroughtistobelievethatEarlAtliwasdistraughtwhenhespokethus，andthatthingswereindeedasshehadsaid。”

Againmenmurmured，andastrangelightshoneinGudruda’seyes。

“Now，Gudruda，thouhastheardallmystory。”saidEric。“Say，dostthoubelieveme？“

“Ibelievethee，Eric。”

“Saythen，wiltthoustillwedyonOspakar？“

GudrudalookedonBlacktooth，thenshelookedatgoldenEricandopenedherlipstospeak。ButbeforeawordcouldpassthemOspakarroseinwrath，layinghishanduponhissword。

“Thinkestthouthustolureawaymydove，outlaw？FirstIwillseetheefoodforcrows。”

“Wellspoken，Blacktooth。”laughedEric。“Iwaitedforsuchwordsfromthee。Thricehavewestriventogether——onceoutyonderinthesnow，onceonHorse-HeadHeights，andoncebyWestmanIsles——andstillwelivetotellthetale。Comedown，Ospakar：comedownfromthatsoftseatofthineandhereandnowletusputittotheproofwhoisthebetterman。Whenwemetbefore，thestakewasWhitefiresetagainstmyeye。NowthestakeisourlivesandfairGudruda’shand。Talknomore，Ospakar，butfalltoit。”

“Gudrudashallneverwedthee，whileIlive！“saidBj？rn；“thouartalandlessloon，abrawler，andanoutlaw。Gettheegone，Eric，withthywolf-hound！“

“Squeaknotsoloud，rat——squeaknotsoloud，lesthound’sfangworrythee！“saidSkallagrim。

“WhetherIwedGudrudaorwhetherIwedhernotisamatterthatshallbeknowninitsseason。”saidEric。“Forthywords，Isaythis：thatitisriskytohurlnamesatsuchasIam，Bj？rn，lestperchanceI

answerthemwithspear-thrusts。Thyanswer，Ospakar！Whatneedtowait？Thyanswer！“

NowOspakarlookedatBrighteyesandgrewafraid。Hewasamightyman，butheknewtheweightofEric’sarm。

“Iwillnotfightwiththee，carle。”hesaid，“whohastnaughttolose。”

“Thenthouartcowardandniddering！“saidEric。“Ospakar/Niddering/

Inametheeherebeforeallmen！What！thoucouldstplotagainstme——

thoucouldstwaylayme，tentooneandtwoshipstoone，butfacetofacewithmealonethoudostnotdaretostand？Comrades，lookonyourlord！——lookatOspakarthe/Niddering！/“

NowtheswarthybrowofBlacktoothgrewredwithrage，andhisbreathcameingreatgasps。“Ho，men！“hecried，“drivethisknaveaway。

Striphisharnessoffhimandwhiphimhencewithrods。”

“Letbutamanstirtowardsmeandthisspearfliesthroughthyheart，Niddering。”criedEric。“Gudruda，whatthinkestthouofthylord？“

“Iknowthis。”saidGudruda，“thatIwillnotwedamanwhoisnamed’Niddering’inthefaceofallandliftsnosword。”

Gudrudaspokethus，becauseshewasmadwithloveandfearandshame，andshedesiredthatEricshouldstandfacetofacewithOspakarBlacktooth，forthus，alone，shemightperhapsberidofOspakar。

“Suchwordsdonotcomewellfromgentlelips。”saidBj？rn。

“Isittobeborne，brother。”answeredGudruda，“thatthemanwhowouldcallmewifeshouldbenamedOspakartheNiddering？Whenthatshameiswashedaway，andthenonly，canIthinkonmarriage。IwillneverbeNiddering’sbride！“

“Thouhearest，OspakarNiddering？“saidEric。ThenhegavethespearinhishandtoSkallagrim，and，grippingWhitefire’shilt，heburstthepeace-strings，andtoreitfromthescabbard。

Nowthegreatswordshoneonhighlikelightningleapingfromacloud，andasitshonemenshouted，“/Ospakar！OspakarNiddering！/Come，winbackWhitefirefromEric’shand，orbeforevershamed！“

Blacktoothcouldendurethisnomore。Hesnatchedswordandshield，and，likeabearfromacave，likeawolffromhislair，rushedroaringfromhisseat。Onhecame，andthegroundshookbeneathhisbulk。

“Atlast，Niddering！“criedEric，andsprangtomeethim。

“Back！allmen，back！“shoutedSkallagrim，“nowweshallseeblows。”

Ashespokethegreatswordsflashedaloftandclangedupontheironshields。Soheavyweretheblowsthatfireleaptoutfromthem。

Ospakarreeledbackbeneaththeshock，andEricwasbeatentohisknee。Nowhewasup，butasherushed，OspakarstruckagainandsweptawayhalfofBrighteyen’spointedshieldsothatitfelluponthefloor。Ericsmotealso，butOspakardroppedhiskneetoearthandtheswordhissedoverhim。BlacktoothcutatEric’slegs；butBrighteyessprangfromthegroundandtooknoharm。

Nowsomecried，“/Eric！Eric！/“andsomecried“/Ospakar！Ospakar！/“

fornooneknewhowthefightwouldgo。

Gudrudasatwatchinginthehighseat，andasblowsfellhercolourcameandwent。

Swanhilddrewnear，watchingalso，andshedesiredinherfiercehearttoseeEricbroughttoshameanddeath，for，shouldhewin，thenGudrudawouldberidofOspakar。NowbyhersidestoodGizur，Ospakar’sson，andneartoherwasBj？rn。Thesetwoheldtheirbreath，for，ifEricconquered，alltheirplanswerebroughttonothing。

Evenashesprangintotheair，Ericsmotedownwithallhisstrength。

TheblowfellonOspakar’sshield。Itshorethroughtheshieldandstruckontheshoulderbeneath。ButBlacktooth’sbyrniewasgood，nordidtheswordbiteintoit。StillthestrokewassoheavythatOspakarstaggeredbackfourpacesbeneathit，thenfellupontheground。

Nowfolkraisedashoutof“/Eric！Eric！/“foritseemedthatOspakarwassped。Brighteyes，too，criedaloud，thenrushedforward。Now，ashecame，SwanhildwhisperedaneagerwordintotheearofBj？rn。ByBj？rn’sfootlaythathalfofEric’sshieldwhichhadbeenshornawaybytheswordofOspakar。Gudruda，watching，sawBj？rnpushitwithhisshoesothatitslidbeforethefeetofBrighteyes。Hisrightfootcaughtonit，hestumbledheavily——stumbledagain，thenfellproneonhisface，and，ashefell，stretchedouthisswordhandtosavehimself，sothatWhitefireflewfromhisgrasp。Thebladestruckitshiltagainsttheground，thencircledintheairandfixeditself，pointdownwards，intheclayoftheflooring。ThehandofOspakarrisingfromthegroundsmoteagainstthehiltofWhitefire。Hesawit，withashouthecasthisownswordawayandclaspedWhitefire。

AwaycircledtheswordofOspakar；andofthatcastthisstrangethingistold，falseortrue。FarinthecornerofthehalllurkedThorunna，shewhohadbetrayedSkallagrimwhenhewasnamedOunound。ShehadcomewithaheavyhearttoMiddalhofinthecompanyofOspakar；butwhenshesawSkallagrim，herhusband——whomshehadbetrayed，andwhohadturnedBaresarkbecauseofherwickedness——shamesmoteher，andshecreptawayandhidherselfbehindthehangingsofthehall。Theswordspedalongpointfirst，itrushedlikeaspearthroughtheair。

Itfellonthehangings，piercingthem，piercingtheheartofThorunna，whocoweredbehindthem，sothatwithonecryshesankdeadtoearth，slainbyherlover’shand。

NowwhenmensawthatOspakaroncemoreheldWhitefireinhishand——

WhitefirethatBrighteyeshadwonfromhim——theycalledaloudthatitwasanomen。TheswordofBlacktoothhadcomebacktoBlacktoothandnowEricwouldsurelybeslainofit！

Ericsprangfromtheground。HeheardtheshoutsandsawWhitefireblazinginOspakar’shand。

“Nowthouartweaponless，fly！Brighteyes；fly！“criedsome。

Gudruda’scheekgrewwhitewithfear，andforamomentEric’sheartfailedhim。

“Flynot！“roaredSkallagrim。“Bj？rntrippedthee。Yethastthouhalfashield！“

Ospakarrushedon，andWhitefireflickeredoverEric’shelm。Downitcameandshoreonewingfromthehelm。Againitshoneandfell，butBrighteyescaughttheblowonhisbrokenshield。